By Jabiru Hassan
Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV) has condemned the recent comments allegedly made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, in which he claimed that Christians in Nigeria were facing genocide and threatened to invade the country to stop terrorism and banditry. The group said such rhetoric oversimplifies Nigeria’s complex security realities and risks heightening sectarian tensions.
In a statement on Sunday, YDV said that violence in Nigeria affects diverse communities—Christians, Muslims, and ethnic minorities alike—and should not be framed exclusively through a religious lens. The group urged caution, noting that any credible allegations of large-scale targeting must be investigated, but stressed that insecurity stems from multiple sources including banditry, herder–farmer clashes, kidnappings, and terrorism.
Opposition to External Military Intervention
YDV firmly rejected any notion of foreign military intervention, saying it would violate Nigeria’s sovereignty and could worsen existing divisions. While acknowledging the value of international cooperation, the organisation argued that Nigeria must lead its own security reforms.
“We urge restraint in using divisive narratives,” the group said. “Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, and external invasion cannot provide a sustainable solution.”
Commendation for Federal Government and Security Agencies
The group praised the federal government and the Armed Forces for recent gains made in tackling insurgency and banditry across several regions. Reports of successful operations against criminal hideouts, YDV said, reflect renewed political will and operational strength.
“These efforts are essential, and it is encouraging to see consistent action against criminal elements,” the statement noted.
Rising Insecurity in the South-West
Despite progress elsewhere, YDV expressed alarm that many parts of the South-West—particularly states such as Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara—continue to witness an increase in bandit activities. The group cited recent attacks in forest reserves and rural communities in Ondo, Oyo, and Kwara, warning that criminal networks may be establishing strongholds in remote forest belts.
YDV acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Amotekun Corps, the region’s security outfit, which has intensified forest patrols and border surveillance. However, it warned that without robust federal support and coordinated intelligence operations, bandit groups could become entrenched.
Economic and Cultural Stakes
The group emphasized that the South-West remains a key agricultural and economic hub. Insecurity, it said, has already forced some farmers to abandon farmlands producing yam, cassava, plantain, and rice. If left unchecked, the situation could threaten food security and destabilize a region that has traditionally enjoyed peace and economic stability.
“Allowing insecurity to take root in the South-West risks eroding decades of agricultural and cultural progress,” the group cautioned.
Calls to the Federal Government
YDV issued several recommendations to address the growing threat:
– Deploy targeted security operations to South-West forest zones to dismantle bandit networks.
– Provide greater support to Amotekun, including personnel, logistics, and intelligence-sharing.
– Strengthen community engagement, working with traditional rulers and local groups to improve intelligence and early-warning systems.
– Protect agricultural livelihoods through compensation mechanisms, rapid response units, and farmland security strategies.
– Promote national unity by avoiding sectarian framing of security issues.
Conclusion
Yoruba for Democratic Values reaffirmed its commitment to democratic governance, national cohesion, and human rights. It called on both domestic authorities and international actors to support solutions that strengthen Nigeria’s sovereignty rather than undermine it.
“The threat in the South-West must be addressed with urgency and sensitivity,” the group said, urging strategies that restore security while protecting the dignity and livelihoods of citizens.
